This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/766027600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The position is that of a Lead Medical Technologist for the Microbiology Section within Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service for the Columbia VA Healthcare System. The incumbent facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Incumbent is responsible for all technical aspects of operation in the Microbiology Section.
12/15/2023 to 09/30/2024
$69,107 - $89,835 per year
GS 11
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
OCA-2023-12-12-01-DRLH
766027600
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2024 or until filled. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be December 28, 2023, with subsequent cut-off date for referral on the 1st and 15th of each month. May close without prior notification.
Duties includes:
Implements and coordinates a quality assurance program for the Microbiology Section. Assures compliance with quality control and proficiency testing programs, as well as with the The Joint Commission (TJC) and VHA regulatory requirements.
Assures that adequate equipment and reagents are maintained for daily testing in Microbiology to ensure appropriate patient care is provided at all times.
Assists with the choice of appropriate test methods and instrumentation based on the needs of the patient population and the clinical providers. Helps with the monitoring of moderately and highly complex test performance.
Assists with the development and updating of Microbiology policies/procedures to make sure they are current, and ensures testing personnel are aware of new or changed procedures.
Ensures that proper maintenance and operation of the Microbiology equipment is performed and documented according to established policies and procedures.
Maintains an adequate inventory of consumables so that shortages do not occur during emergency situations.
Assists with documentation of adequate training and competency of personnel who work in the Microbiology Section on any shift.
Serves as clinical instructor for Georgia Southern University Medical Technology Fast-Track students, for Midlands Technical College Medical Laboratory Technician students and other individuals who may rotate through the Microbiology Section.
The department supervisor provides only general assignment parameters, deadlines and priorities, and review of work product. The Lead Technologist independently plans and carries out the procedures necessary to complete the work assignment and handles problems and corrects errors in accordance with established protocols or accepted laboratory practices.
Works under the direction of the Microbiology Supervisor, the Laboratory Manager/ Chief Medical Technologist and the Chief, P&LM. Plans work and makes decisions within the framework of the major duties without specific direction from the Microbiology Supervisor. Resolves most technical problems. Helps to coordinate and implement approved testing with laboratory and non-laboratory staff. Prioritizes projects and sets deadlines to meet the mission of the Service and the Healthcare System
Completed work is reviewed for effectiveness in meeting accreditation and regulatory agency requirements and overall management objectives.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
a. Knowledge of medical technology applicable to a wide range of duties to solve complex problems involving diverse aspects of clinical laboratory practice.
b. Knowledge of regulatory, licensing and accrediting agency requirements and statutes governing clinical laboratory operations in order to plan, implement or monitor laboratory programs and services.
c. Ability to manage and coordinate daily work activities and assignments in a section.
d. Skill to maintain, troubleshoot and repair laboratory instrumentation.
e. Ability to provide technical oversight in order to manage personnel and work assignments in a manner that assures completion of the laboratory workload.
Lead Medical Technologist. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Responsible for all aspects of operation in their area of specialty including preparation and maintenance of records and reports, analysis of testing methodologies, training, instrumentation and compliance.
Customer Service: Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday; 08:00am-:4:30pm; with rotating weekends and holiday; subject to change to meet the needs of the agency.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS 02108-0
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
To qualify for this position as a GS-0644 Medical Technologist (Lead Medical Technologist), you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01,
VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy).
VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. I
f selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.
The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g.,
Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: About VA Form 10-2850C | Veterans Affairs.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/20/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire lick https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12221515.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.
After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.
All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/766027600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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